'This isn't me': Man linked to brother's criminal history for 20 years

HOUSTON, Texas (KTRK) -- For 20 years, Raymond Valentine says an identity mix-up has hijacked his life and left him unable to get a job, or even drive a car, without fear.

"I wanted to go to college. I couldn't do that," Valentine said.

He said it's all because he was too overwhelmed by something that had both nothing and everything to do with him.

Raymond's brother Awnee Valentine has an extensive criminal record spanning more than 25 years.

In total, Awnee has 20 charges in Harris County. Six of those charges have been dismissed, including a capital murder charge.

In 2007, Awnee was arrested for driving a stolen car, according to Harris County court records.

13 Investigates obtained a copy of the Houston Police Department incident report for that stop. It says Awnee identified himself to police as his brother, Raymond, so it was Raymond's name that was used when Awnee was first booked into jail. But the report says officers later figured out Awnee's real identity.

Now, when you search Awnee's criminal history with the Harris County District Clerk, that 2007 charge pops up, but it is still listed under Raymond's name even though he wasn't the one stopped or charged.

The case was ultimately dismissed, but Raymond told 13 Investigates that ever since then, his name and birthdate have been linked to all of Awnee's records as an alias.

For example, when you search Raymond Valentine's name in the Harris County Jail database, it says he's been locked up behind bars since May.

But earlier this month, Valentine walked through the doors of ABC13 and sat down for an interview.

The jail's website shows Raymond's name at the top when you search for him in the jail database, but the man that's actually listed as being in jail is his brother, Awnee.

Raymond said it's a situation that has ruined his life.

"I don't know why this is still haunting me today," Valentine said.

13 Investigates' Mycah Hatfield went inside the Harris County Jail to ask Awnee about it.

He confirmed that he used his brother's name that day because he said he knew if he used his own, law enforcement would figure out he had a warrant and would be taken into custody.

Even during his current stint in jail, Awnee said Raymond's name is listed on his paperwork.

"It's like every time he goes to jail or any type of charges he gets, (it) goes right back into my name," Raymond said.

When Raymond first reached out to 13 Investigates about what was going on, we were confused about how this could happen.

The Harris County Sheriff's Office told us when an arrestee gives their name to an officer, it's entered into the computer and then they're fingerprinted, which is when something like this would be caught.

But even if they catch that the wrong name was given, the sheriff's office said it's unable to change it in the system.

13 Investigates also searched DPS's criminal history database for Awnee Valentine.

It lists his name and birthdate, but under aliases, Raymond's name and birthdate are listed as well.

Raymond said this error has created tremendous hardship for him.

When 13 Investigates spoke with Awnee in jail, he said he knows it's caused trouble for his brother but said he didn't know how to fix it.

"I can't get a job. I can't even get a job working at DoorDash or Uber Eats. I can't do anything right now as we speak. I don't have any money to show for myself. I stay at a shelter home," Raymond said.

Raymond said he's had to work second-chance jobs catered to convicted felons.

He also said he's scared to drive because he fears being pulled over and police believing they are dealing with someone with a long rap sheet.

He also said his mental health has suffered.

Raymond said he has tried for years to clear his name, filling out forms and reaching out to attorneys, but nothing has worked.

"Before I turn 45, I need to get this rectified because this isn't me," Raymond said.

13 Investigates reached out to DPS to try to help Raymond separate his identity from his brother's criminal history.

Raymond said DPS has since gotten in touch with him and is working through it.

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